'Saturation point': Louvre boss says leaky, crowded museum needs upgrade

Even the Louvre's most modern addition – its glass pyramid – has 'major shortcomings' the boss of the museum said.

The Louvre is under "physical strain" due to its popularity and is also suffering from leaks and temperature variations that could damage key artworks, the museum's director warned in a letter to the culture minister published Thursday in French media.

The head of the Louvre in Paris has warned the government about leaks, overcrowding and sub-standard catering in a confidential note that has raised alarm about the state of the world's most-visited museum.

Laurence des Cars, the first woman head of the French landmark, wrote a memo about her concerns to Culture Minister Rachida Dati earlier this month which was published on Thursday in Le Parisien newspaper.

She warned about the "proliferation of damage in museum spaces, some of which are in very poor condition."

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Furthermore, some areas "are no longer watertight, while others experience significant temperature variations, endangering the preservation of artworks," she added.

Despite the French government's budget problems and the imminent closure of the Pompidou museum for renovations, des Cars said the Louvre required an overhaul that would likely be costly and technically complicated.

A total of 8.7 million people visited its famed galleries last year -- around twice the number it was designed for -- and des Cars expressed concern about the quality of the user experience.

Around 70 percent of visitors to the Louvre last year were foreigners.

(AFP)


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